Trade of a Goalie Not Deal of Choice

The Ducks continue their attempts to swing a deal that will bolster their lineup for the stretch run. But completing a trade has proved difficult because the Ducks don’t have much to give up in return for the standout defenseman and forward they covet.

The most likely scenario involves packaging draft picks with current players to get the help they need.

Team President Tony Tavares said trading one of their goaltenders, either Guy Hebert or Mikhail Shtalenkov, isn’t the Ducks’ first choice.

“Can we give up one of the goalies? I guess so, but what are we getting back?” Tavares said. “Am I getting a top-four defenseman or a top-four forward?”

A trade for right wing Mike Gartner of the Phoenix Coyotes apparently is no longer a possibility.

General Manager Jack Ferreira also discounted reports from Toronto that the Ducks were interested in sending forward Sean Pronger to the Maple Leafs for right wing Sergei Berezin.

The Ducks are believed to be interested in Edmonton center Doug Weight, who could become available once the Oilers’ ownership situation is settled March 13.

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Paul Kariya isn’t the only member of his family recovering from a potentially season-ending injury. His younger brother, Steve, the top scorer at the University of Maine, suffered a collapsed lung in a Feb. 28 game against Nebraska Omaha and remains hospitalized in Orono, Maine.

Steve Kariya, who has 23 goals and 46 points, was hit while holding his breath. He is expected to be sidelined at least one week.